Construction of Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) has begun. This is a major development by Ethiopian Airlines that will change the aviation landscape in Africa.
Designed to be the continent’s largest airport, the facility is expected to initially handle 60 million passengers per year and reach 110 million passengers per year at full capacity, with the first phase completed by 2030.
The $12.5 billion project will be located in Bishoftu, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, at an altitude of 1,910 meters and will include parking space for 270 aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines confirmed that construction began after the completion of a resettlement and livelihood restoration program for affected local communities in the project area.
According to the company, Bishoftu International Airport will serve as a strategic addition to Ethiopia’s expanding aviation network.
The new facility will complement the existing Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and support the national carrier’s long-term growth goals.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony on January 10, 2026, described the project as a historic turning point for the country and the continent.
In a post shared on X, he highlighted the strategic importance of the airport’s location, noting that it will enable it to handle both origin and destination passengers while maintaining close connectivity with Ethiopia’s current aviation infrastructure.
“Bishoftu International Airport (BIA) will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in African history,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
“It is in line with Ethiopia’s national economic reform, industrialization policy and long-term aviation strategy.
“This project will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ international competitiveness, strengthen African connectivity under the AfCFTA framework, expand trade and tourism corridors, and position Ethiopia as a major intercontinental hub.”
The development of Bishoftu International Airport represents a key element in Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term expansion strategy, which envisions positioning the national carrier among the world’s leading aviation groups.
Ethiopian Airlines has consistently emphasized infrastructure modernization and fleet expansion as central to maintaining its leadership position in African aviation.
Group CEO Mesfin Taseou said the start of construction reflects a milestone achievement for both the airline and the continent.
“This is a truly proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for Africa as a whole,” said Taseu.
“Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing Africa’s infrastructure gap and plays a key role in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Ethiopian is fully committed to bringing this project to completion.”
Once operational, the BIA is expected to position Ethiopia as a major intercontinental aviation hub, promoting passenger transport, trade and regional tourism.
The airport’s capacity and design is expected to redefine air travel across Africa and further integrate the continent within global transport networks.
